1 9 9 9



1 9 9 8



Delaware 7, Hofstra 5 (8 innings)

Hofstra 8, Delaware 9 (5 innings)
May 2, 1999

 

UD Softball Splits with Hofstra; Earns America EastTourney Berth

 

HEMPSTEAD, NY -- The University of Delaware softball team clinched a spot in next week's four-team America East Tournament with a doubleheader split with league-leading Hofstra Sunday afternoon.

The Blue Hens, who overcame a 5-2 deficit with three runs in the seventh and two in the eighth to win the first game 7-5, moved their record to 33-15 (8-6 America East) to clinch the No. 3 spot in next week's tournament at Vermont.

Hofstra, which won the second game 8-0, moved to 36-16 (11-3) and will be the top seed. No. 2 seed Drexel and No. 4 seed Towson will also join the field with the champion earning an automatic berth into the NCAA Tournament.

In the opener, Delaware rallied back from a 5-2 deficit in the final inning to post the 7-5 win. After Hofstra scored three runs in the sixth, the Hens rallied with three of their own, all with two outs, in the seventh as junior first baseman Erin Kelly (Liberty/Bethlehem, PA) hit a bases loaded double to knock in three of her four runs on the day.

In the eighth, the Hens clinched the win with two runs as sophomore outfielder Lauren Mark (Ursuline), who tied a school record with five hits in the opener, hit an RBI single and freshman Amanda Cariello (St. Mark's) followed with a sacrifice fly. Delaware pitcher Kristi O'Connell (17-8) went the distance, scattering seven hits and striking out nine.

In the nightcap, second baseman Dana Bennett hit a solo home run and added a double and Lisa Ciavardini knocked in two runs with a triple to lead the Flying Dutchwomen in five innings. Pitcher Jen Smith allowed just two hits, both by Chris Brady, to improve to 17-10. Krysta Pidstawski (14-7) took the loss for the Hens.

AGATE:

Game 1

Delaware...020 000 32 - 7-13-1
Hofstra......002 003 00 - 5-7-2

O'Connell & Wilkins; A. Smith, J. Smith (8) and Schour; E: Zielinski (D), A. Smith-2 (H); DP: H-1; LOB: H- 7, D-10; 2B: Mark (D), Wilkins (D), Kelly (D), A. Smith (H); HR: J. Smith (H); WP: O'Connell (17-8); LP: A. Smith (18-5).

Game 2

Delaware...000 00 - 0-2-1
Hofstra......502 01 - 8-8-1

Pidstawski, Zanzoth (4) and Dowell; J. Smith and Schour; E: Welch (D), Sawyer (H); LOB: D- 3, H-3; 2B: Bennett (H); 3B: Ciavardini (H); HR: Bennett (H); WP: J. Smith (17-10); LP: Pidstawski (14-7).

 

-DDD -